Muslim pilgrims circle counterclockwise with their hearts tilted toward the Kaaba, the cube-shaped structure that Muslims around the world face in prayer five times a day, in the Grand Mosque in the ... more

Muslim pilgrims circle counterclockwise with their hearts tilted toward the Kaaba, the cube-shaped structure that Muslims around the world face in prayer five times a day, in the Grand Mosque in the Muslim holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Sunday, Oct. 13, 2013. The hajj, a central pillar of Islam and one that able-bodied Muslims must make once in their lives, is a four-day spiritual cleansing based on centuries of interpretation of the traditions of Prophet Muhammad. (AP Photo/Amr Nabil) less